3.31.11 -- Silver outshines gold ytd in 2011 -- Listen
Precious metals prices rose on Thursday as the third quarter ended amid bargain hunting, a weaker dollar and higher oil prices. Gold last traded at $1,432/oz and silver at $37.68/oz.
Gold bullion has gained 1.3% since Dec. 31. It has risen 2.1% from Feb. 28, as the month brought more turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa, renewed fears of inflation and no end in sight for Europe's debt woes. Silver ended the quarter with a gain of 22%. For the month, the metal rose 12%.
Wal-Mart CEO warns consumers of high prices on common products such as food and clothing. He claims that inflation is coming at a "pretty rapid rate."
"Skunked": Bill Gross says "The U.S. Will Likely Default On Its Debt" Through inflation, currency devaluation and low to negative real interest rates, this country will default on its debt. The country already has a large budget deficit with no real plan of coming back out of it.
3.30.11 --Think gold is overvalued? Think again! -- Listen
Precious metals prices ended higher in volatile trading Wednesday as profit-taking was offset by bargain hunting. Gold last traded at $1,423/oz and silver at $37.45/oz. Think gold might be overvalued? Think again, according to the Von Mises Institute:
"There seems to be more talk about owning gold than the actual owning of it. Chris Blasi's work indicates that precious metals only made up 2 percent of investment assets at the end of last year after a decade-long bull market.
"At the same time, investment in real estate has remained constant despite the huge downdraft in property prices, meaning that investors continue to pile into this overbuilt sector.
Most most investors stuck in past, keeping 98% money outside of precious metals it means there is still lots of room for growth, especially with inflation as the next major crisis. Take action now, read "Uses of Inflation".
3.29.11 --Metals reflect energy-food price push - Listen
Precious metals prices closed slightly lower Tuesday afternoon on profit-taking pressure. Gold closed slightly down at $1,418/oz and silver also closed slightly down at $37.15/oz. "Gold nearing $1500, silver at $37, oil well above $100! What a month... what a year!" write The Aden Sisters.
Rising food and oil are a deadly match because higher oil prices push food prices even higher. Just since last June, 44 million people were pushed into extreme poverty according to the World Bank. This alone explains why governments are being toppled.
In the big picture and on the upside, once $1500 is well surpassed, the $2000 area will then be the next target. And what about silver, will it become the new "Trade of the Decade"? More at Real Money Blog.
3.28.11 --Metals dip, gas prices surpass 1980 high - Listen
Precious metal prices dipped on Monday amid a slightly firmer dollar and some short-term profit taking. Gold last traded near $1,420/oz. while silver traded at $37.16/oz.
In other news ... "After inflation, gas prices pass 30-year record high". According to the American Petroleum Institute, the $1.41 a gallon average that motorists were paying in March, 1981 would be the equivalent of $3.46 a gallon today based on an inflation adjustment. AAA's ongoing price survey showed prices were averaging $3.578 a gallon nationwide Monday morning.
Could gold prices top $2,000/oz. by year's end? Marketwatch.com reports it is possible.
3.25.11 --Why the silver bull is raging -- Listen
Gold prices traded steady on Friday as safe-haven demand was offset by profit talking. Gold ended the week about where it began at $1,430/oz. Silver prices ended slightly higher on the day and gained over 3% for the week. Yes, the silver bull is raging in 2011.
Well, worldwide market demand for silver is growing, while supplies are disappearing and new high-tech uses for silver are straining already-tight supplies. Also, global demand for silver now exceeds annual production, depleting stockpiles of silver.
Given that silver prices may rise dramatically in the years ahead, which type of silver is best for the average investor to own? Should you buy 1-oz. Silver Eagle coins or 100-ounce silver bullion bricks? How about historic U.S. Morgan Silver Dollars?
Swiss America recommends Morgan Dollars, which are second only to Lincoln Cents in collector popularity. The large size, design and inexpensive nature of most dates of the Morgan Dollar makes them highly popular. Read Why Silver?
3.24.11 --Central banks shed dollars, buy gold -- Listen
Safe-haven investment demand continues to drive the precious metals markets,although profit-taking dropped gold and silver prices moderately on Thursday. Gold closed at $1,430 per ounce after reaching a fresh high earlier, silver at $37.16 per ounce.
CNBC reports: "Central banks are shedding dollars, reducing their holdings by about $9 billion in previous quarter, according to Nomura Securities’ Jens Nordvig, global head of G10 FX Strategy."
"What are they buying instead? Gold. The yellow metal hit a fresh record high this morning, while the dollar index dropped to a 15-month low."
February turned out to be one of the weakest months ever for the U.S. housing sector. "Lower property values have cut household wealth by about $6 trillion over the last five years, accounting for what is arguably the largest transfer of wealth in world history."
3.23.11 --Silver prices rocket to 31-year high -- Listen
Gold and silver prices traded much higher Wednesday on safe-haven investment demand as major world events unfold.
Gold prices ended at $1439 per ounce. Silver shined as prices rose 92 cents to a 31-year record settle of $37.36 an ounce.
Silver prices are now up 120% year-over-year! The "quiet" precious metal is now roaring!
With very little fanfare a new bull market in silver began in mid-2003, driving the price of silver from $4.50 an ounce in 2003 to over $37 an ounce today -- that's over a 830% gain!
Check our updated Silver Rush special report.
3.22.11 --Metals steady, U.S. debt at tipping point -- Listen
Silver and gold ended Tuesday slightly higher on a weaker dollar and calmer markets. The price per ounce for gold is $1,429, with silver at $36.39.
The U.S. debt situation is at a "tipping point," Dallas Federal Reserve Bank President Richard Fisher said on Tuesday, and urged the U.S. central bank to refrain from any further stimulus measures.
"If we continue down on the path on which the fiscal authorities put us, we will become insolvent. The question is when," Fisher said in a speech at the University of Frankfurt.
"The Fed has done enough, if not too much, and we should do no more." Full story.
3.21.11 -- Metals reflect geopolitical worry -- Listen
Precious metals both rose moderately Monday on safe-haven buying demand from Libya action, Japan fallout, higher crude oil and a weaker dollar. Gold and silver prices end the trading day up, at $1,427 and $36.10 per ounce.
The dollar fell to its lowest level in 15 months against a basket of currencies, driven mainly by a recovery in investors' risk appetite and a surge in demand for the euro.
As the euro has risen strongly on the back of expectations of higher interest rates, the Federal Reserve bias for maintaining ultra-loose monetary policy - combined with surging oil prices that threaten to stoke inflation - has diminished the dollar's allure as a safe haven. Instability in Libya and other parts of North Africa and the Middle East has made investors nervous about the prospect of a global oil shock.
3.18.11 --World leaders prop up sagging dollar -- Listen
Gold and silver prices jumped Friday as investors focused on the G7's decision to intervene in the currency markets. Gold prices traded near $1,420 and silver at $35.15 per ounce.
The Group of Seven industrialized countries moved Thursday night to prop up the U.S. dollar, which had fallen to record lows against the Japanese yen this week in the wake of Japan's devastating earthquake.
The huge drop in the dollar was attributed to speculation that Japanese insurance companies and investors are pulling their money out of U.S. Treasury bonds to finance relief efforts and reconstruction of areas hit by one of the worst earthquakes and tsunamis in history a week ago.
The dollar's decline puts additional pressure on Japan's already hard-hit economy by making its exports of cars, cameras and other key goods more expensive for U.S. consumers. It also hurts the U.S. by making investment in U.S. Treasury securities less attractive to the Japanese, who have played a key role in financing U.S. deficits for decades.
3.17.11 --Metals steady, Inflation up -- Listen
A lower U.S. dollar, sharply higher crude oil prices and the largest monthly rise in the CPI since 2009 kept gold rising, up slightly to $1,404 per ounce. Silver steady, ending the trading day at $34.25 per ounce.
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"The new swissamerica.com is designed to streamline and simplify the entire experience of investigating as well as buying & selling precious metals and U.S. numismatic coins while giving clients state-of-the-art online portfolio tracking tools," says Swiss America Trading Corporation CEO Dean Heskin.
3.16.11 -- Wholesale prices spike, housing starts plunge -- Listen
Precious metals prices remained steady on some bargain-hunting buying. A skittish market saw a stronger U.S. dollar as stocks erased all ytd gains in 2011. Gold and silver closed at $1401 and $34.26 per ounce.
It is the worst of both worlds, rising food and gas prices coupled with falling home construction and values.
Wholesale prices jumped in February by 1.6%, the most in nearly two years due to higher energy costs and the steepest rise in food prices in 36 years. At this pace prices could rise over 18% in 2011.
Meanwhile, new home construction in the U.S. took the steepest monthly plunge in nearly 27 years in February and new building permits set a record low.
3.15.11 --Buy, sell, or hold in a financial panic? - Listen
Tuesday the global financial markets slid on Japan nuclear fallout fears. U.S stocks ended the day down over 1%. Oil and commodity prices fell 2% as investors fled to the perceived safety of cash. Gold prices closed at $1,395/oz. silver near $34.25/oz.
Should you buy, sell or hold during a financial panic? "My best advice is usually not to buy or sell in a panic, but it depends on the area of investment."
"I recommend holding gold, as demand for a solid currency going forward is in the best interest of central banks. Pull backs in gold prices should be seen as a gift, another opportunity to buy an asset that should be over $2,000 an ounce already, after adjusting for inflation," says author and businessman Craig R. Smith.
The Fed in its statement said higher energy prices will have a "temporary effect on inflation." But higher gasoline costs have created fresh concerns for consumers, sending confidence down.
3.14.11 --Metals rises amid nuke, debt & inflation fears -- Listen
Precious metal prices ended the day up amid fears of a nuclear meltdown following the major earthquake in Japan. Gold last traded near $1,428 per ounce and silver at $35.94/oz on safe-haven buying.
Earthquake in Japan. Unrest in the oil-producing Arab world. Sovereign-debt strains in Europe. Inflation in China.
The expanding list of global economic troubles pots will give the U.S. Federal Reserve even more reason to stay in wait-and-see mode at its policy-setting meeting on Tuesday.
The full economic impact of the sixth most powerful earthquake ever recorded is not yet known.
Though uncertainty is rife, the earthquake is more likely to add to global growth and attendant inflationary pressures than subtract from them.
3.11.11 -- Will Utah become the new "golden" state? -- Listen
Precious metals ended higher Friday, supported by some safe-haven buying, with both oil and the dollar trading sharply lower. Gold and silver currently at $1,417 and $35.95 per ounce.
76% of Americans polled think Utah's gold/silver as legal tender law is a good idea...
A WND.com poll on Utah's decision to recognize gold and silver as legal tenderIt's a good start - the U.S. and the world need to return to the gold standard and stop this endless printing of money - 30% Let's hope this idea catches on in other states - 27% Utah has shown strong leadership by recognizing this requirement of the Constitution - 19%
3.10.11 -- Mid-east drives market volatility -- Listen
Precious metal prices fell Thursday on profit-taking and selling pressure from a firmer dollar and lower crude oil prices. Gold ended at $1,411 and silver at $35.28 per ounce. Stocks were routed as rumblings of unrest in Saudi Arabia compounded economic worries abroad and in the U.S.
The Dow slipped under 12,000, ending down nearly 2%, as Spain's debt downgrade, worry about trade in China and disappointing U.S. employment joined Saudi Arabian developments.
Meanwhile, "China May Corner Gold Market" ... China has likely begun a campaign to convert its dollars to gold that could end up with the nation cornering the gold market, says Richard Lehmann, editor of the Forbes/Lehmann Income Security Investor newsletter. (more at Real Money blog)
3.9.11 -- Metals steady amid big U.S. debt dump -- Listen
Precious metal prices increased slightly on Wednesday, with gold moving higher to $1431 per ounce and silver up to $36.13. PIMCO, the world's largest fund holding of U.S. government securities, is in the process of dumping all of its U.S. government debt.
PIMCO head Bill Gross is worried about the U.S. deficit and U.S. financial problems. PIMCO's move to dump U.S. debt can be viewed by gold market bulls as bullish, due to the implications of huge government deficits weakening the value of the U.S. dollar and the financial and economic standing of the U.S.
In other news, Americans' confidence in the way the country is going has slumped to a two-year low in the last month, and one pollster blamed soaring gas prices. A Reuters /Ipsos poll showed on Wednesday the proportion of people who believe the United States is on the wrong track rose seven points to 64 percent from February, in a fresh challenge to President Obama.
3.8.11 -- Coins becoming legal currency! -- Listen
Profit-taking pressure from recent gains, weaker crude oil prices and a dollar uptick sent precious metal prices down modestly Tuesday. Gold closed at $1429 per ounce; silver at $36.06 / oz.
Utah took its first step toward bringing back the gold standard when the state House passed a bill last Friday that would recognize gold and silver coins as legal currency, and would exempt the sale of gold from capital gains tax by the state.
Under the bill, the coins would not replace the current paper currency but would be used and accepted voluntarily as an alternative. Thirteen states have similar legislation in process.
"People sense that in the era of quantitative easing and zero interest rates, something has gone haywire with our monetary policy," said Jeffrey Bell, policy director for the Washington- based American Principles in Action, which helped shape the bill.
Supporters argue that the current financial system's dependence on the Federal Reserve exposes the value of U.S. money to the risk of runaway inflation. (Full story)
3.7.11-Metals volatility, hyperinflation alert-Listen
After spiking on Mid-East uncertainty, debt concerns and rising global inflation, precious metals ended a volatile trading day mixed on Monday. Silver closed up $.25 to $36.92 per ounce, gold ended at $1,431/oz.
In the news today ... "Government posts biggest monthly deficit ever", $220 billion in February. Gas prices up 33 cents, in two weeks, the 2nd fastest climb in history. Meanwhile, trade expert Clyde Prestowitz warns "it would take up to a 50 percent devaluation of the dollar against the Chinese yuan and an end to the greenback as the global reserve currency."
Swiss economist Egon Von Greyerz says "A hyperinflationary depression will destroy the value of money as well as most assets that were financed by the credit bubble (property, stock market)." According to Egon, "The real move in precious metals is still to come. Why because "less than 1% of investors own gold." Get ahead of the curve, visit SA.com for more and call today for your free e-copy of "The Uses of Inflation" a brand new white paper from Swiss America.
3.4.11--Metals rise as Keynesian Economics falls-Listen
Rising global inflation, geopolitical instability and Congressional debate over raising the U.S. debt ceiling have precious metals poised to continue climbing. Gold jumped 1.5% for the week to close at $1431 per ounce, with silver up about half that weekly rate to end at $35.65/oz.
Most Americans have been led to believe that rising inflation is the inadvertent by-product of misguided or unlucky government policies. "Not so!" says author and Swiss America Chairman Craig R. Smith. "My new "The Uses of Inflation" White Paper documents six truths that conclusively prove otherwise.”
According to The Uses of Inflation, "Beneath the surface, inflation is being used as a government tool for: 1) helping political friends and harming enemies, 2) advancing an ideology, 3) secret taxation, here and abroad, 4) social engineering, 5) wealth redistribution, and ultimately 6) absolute power."
Amid the widespread popularity of Keynesian economics among government and banking leadership in D.C., Mr. Smith researched the writings of John Maynard Keynes to find out if there was a method to the madness of today's unprecedented spending and money creation.
3.3.11 -- Metals consolidate gains, dollar reign ending -- Listen
Precious metal prices slipped over 1% on profit-taking following Wednesday's record prices,amid weaker crude oil prices. Gold ended near $1,416 per ounce. Silver near $34.27 per ounce.
Experts see 20-25% dollar decline, reserve currency facing "death by a thousand cuts". Can the dollar survive such universally bad press? Will inflation eat up what remains of the dollar's value? Wall St. Journal explains: "Why the Dollar's Reign Is Near an End" and we should expect a 20% decline ahead. Americans will definitely feel it in the wallet."
Billionaire real-estate magnate Sam Zell warns that Americans should brace for a "disastrous" 25% decline in the standard of living if the U.S. dollar's reign as the global reserve currency ever ends." Can the dollar be saved from this "death by a thousand cuts" by foreign nations and institutions? "We can at least buy time and strengthen America by making a thousand cuts of our own," says author Craig R. Smith, "drastic cuts to government's reckless spending and to the Fed's program of printing more and more paper money." More at Real Money Blog...
3.2.11--"Hyperbolic" metals, looming energy crisis - Listen
After a long simmer, the emergence of worldwide inflation has moved to the front burner, heating even stronger demand for precious metals. Gold is up to $1,436 per ounce; silver steady at $34.68. According to technical analysis at GoldIRAs.com "Silver prices have now broken into a Hyperbolic curve upward, having risen above its long term angle of ascent and closing above it for two of the last 3 months. Target price is unknown, but could be in excess of $100.00/oz. Technically, gold has yet to give us a clear signal that it is ready to explode, unlike silver, however it is very close to breaking into a hyperbolic surge as well. A monthly close above $1,460.00 is the trigger point." Meanwhile, Steve Forbes writes, "The Obama administration is repeating the mistakes of President Jimmy Carter's failed energy policies... leading us straight into another national energy disaster."
3.1.11--Gold "the antidote" to Fedspeak- Listen
Gold jumped to a record (nominal) high close of $1433 per ounce, and silver skied to its own 31-year high of $34.69/oz., on safe-haven investment demand and worldwide inflationary concerns, despite Fed remarks. For Fed Chair Ben Bernanke to say "Increased commodity prices MAY cause temporary and modest increases in inflation expectations" and finish with "risks have declined greatly" is absurd, according to Swiss America Chairman Craig R. Smith.
Smith says "I am now convinced that if huge spending cuts, stoppage of QE2 and corporate tax cuts don't occur soon we will see a hyper-inflation double dip recession-depression." Mad Money host Jim Cramer also chimed in on gold, "I can't emphasize enough that gold is your antidote here to what's going on." He says the precious metal could go to $1,550 "very quickly" and to as much as $2,000 within the next 18 months.
